Although parents are hypervigilant about their baby’s ailments, the sudden cumulative exposure to an irritant can happen at any time, and your baby develops an allergy. From cow’s milk to animal fur, babies can develop an allergy from any such allergen they might contact at home.
If you have allergies, the chances of your baby developing an allergy are even higher. Here are some signs to look out for if your baby has allergies.
Signs of an Allergic Reaction
An allergic reaction is our body’s reaction to any foreign agent that the immune system considers dangerous even though it could be harmless. Symptoms of an allergic reaction vary from person to person.
Babies can have the following types of allergies.
Food Allergies
Reportedly, 5% of children under the age of two suffer from food allergies. The symptoms appear right after the baby has ingested the food. Symptoms can include hives, coughing, vomiting, diarrhea, swelling of the mouth, and blood in the stool.
Environmental Triggers
It’s uncommon for babies to develop dust and pollen allergies, but some environmental allergy symptoms may include coughing, red itchy eyes, sneezing, chest tightness, and rash. Contact dermatitis can also happen because of the use of soaps and shampoos.
Eczema
Babies often develop red and dry patches on the skin of their forearms, legs, cheeks, and forehead. This is called eczema. Try to prevent using scented soaps and body lotions because they can aggravate this skin condition.
Try to apply as much moisturizer as you can since the skin tends to get very dry with eczema. Try to give your baby oatmeal baths and consult a pediatric doctor if you see no improvement.
How to Treat Allergies
Discovering signs of an allergic reaction in your baby can be worrying. But there are many ways to prevent allergic reactions from happening and eliminate their symptoms.
Here are some ways you can help your baby.
- Avoid using scented soaps and shampoos. Opt for cream-based moisturizers that will soothe your baby’s skin instead of drying it out.
- According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, don’t give your baby food like shellfish and nuts during the early months if your family has a history of food allergies. Introduce them slowly and watch out for any allergic reactions.
- Breastfeeding helps prevent several food allergies. Many babies become allergic to cow’s milk, and it’s better to feed them hypoallergenic baby formulas or breast milk.
- Avoid exposing your children to environmental triggers like mold, pollen, and dust. Clean out any moldy surfaces in your home and keep your home dust-free by regular vacuuming.
If you have any concerns regarding your baby’s health, reach out to A thru Z Pediatrics in San Antonio today for an instant check-up. Our medical center pediatrics in San Antonio has an expert pediatrics medical group that parents can consult with and receive proper care and treatment for their babies. Keep your babies healthy and smiling by consulting our expert pediatricians today.
Book an appointment now at the best pediatrics medical center in San Antonio.